Belly up to video games at Dallas cidery's new arcade

It's been less than a year since Dallas' only cider maker, Bishop Cider Co., opened a massive production facility in the Design District, but the place has already received a makeover. On Thursday, Dec. 29, the company will unveil an arcade inside the space featuring a mix of old and new games for patrons 21-and-up.

The Cidercade, as its being called, will house a rotating lineup of more than 80 games, according to co-owner Joel Malone, who founded Bishop Cider Co. with his wife, Laura, in 2014. They spent the last couple of months converting 3,000 square feet of the production warehouse into gaming space, but the inspiration to do so has been with them for much longer.

Pinballz Arcade is one of the Malones favorite places to visit in Austin and a source of inspiration. An added bonus: Joel's relative is a collector with a stock of more than 600 games, from which Bishop Cider Co. will pull new offerings. Joel says to expect a good mix of classic games, such as Asteroids and Galaga, and modern favorites like Guitar Hero.

"We always thought it would be great to have in Dallas," says Joel of the arcade concept. "Plus the culture of a lot of our employees, they always loved old school arcades."

The Cidercade is just the latest in a streak of bar-arcades to come to the area, such as Free Play Arcade in Richardson, which opened last winter. This opening will coincide with the release of two new dry-hopped ciders called Galaxy and Mosaic, so named for the hops in each one. Galaxy is semi-dry cider, wile Mosaic is a dry cider; both hit 6.9 percent alcohol content.

Ready to play? The Cidercade is open Thursdays and Fridays 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays noon to 10 p.m. Admission costs $10 and includes unlimited access to all arcade games. Tours are still free on Saturdays. Brews from Bishop Cider Co.'s taproom will be available for purchase during hours of operation, and because of its license patrons can purchase growlers or cans of cider to-go.

Tiney Ricciardi. Though she was born in California, Tiney is a Texan at heart with two degrees from Dallas’ Southern Methodist University under her belt. Her passions for music and language have taken her across the world, from Peru to Switzerland and all corners of America. A self-proclaimed master of puns, she currently resides in East Dallas priming her online publishing skills and snuggling with her cats. Ask her where to find good music and good beer.